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Showing posts from June, 2023

Thoughts on RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars season 8, episode 9

Time for the roast.  Okay, if things felt balanced, Alexis, why not save the person who saved you? This is not the top four I expected (mostly because I expected Heidi to still be here) Oof the roast is usually rough and it looks like this one will be too Okay so being too nice is death to a roast, sure, but so is being too mean Ooooh I had forgotten about Alexis's roast...she was green I think Yes! Katya! Yeah I thought Katya would give some advice, but she's just here to promote herself I guess? I love Ru's hair I prefer when the roast is a surprise  Alexis is doing okay, but I don't think she's very funny Jessica is doing great (and Ru is loving it) Wait did I miss how we determined the order of this? I forgot Alexis was a Broadway diva Kandy did well I thought I don't think Jimbo's look is very Joan Rivers Jimbo is doing well though So I guess we needed to pad for time? Alexis looks cute but a little old (just her makeup!) Jessica looks beautiful, but it

15 cultural must-haves

The New York Times does a feature in the arts section called "My Ten": "In this monthly feature for the Arts section, Times writers interview famous artists, musicians, actors, dancers, chefs, authors and others about their top 10 cultural must-haves — the books, movies, songs, hobbies, clothes, art, people, places or cherished objects that they can’t live without." So Kimisha challenged me to do my own (though I did 15 cause of course I did). Note that for people, I'm focusing on cultural figures, not friends, family, etc. These are in no particular order and I'm sure I could've made a longer list. Steve Irwin Leverage 90 Day Fiancé Little Miss Sunshine Meddling Kids  by Edgar Cantero Star Trek Firefly Star Wars My stuffed animal Tiger Kitty My Claddagh ring Writing Reading Promontory Point Leggings Photography (Prompt passed along by Kimisha Cassidy) "The Late " Crocodile Hunter " Steve Irwin after playing with Dingos" by Bernard D

Snippets, six

Here are some short pieces based on things that have happened in my life recently.  Death and Comedy "She talked about death," I explained to my mom as I discussed the comedy show I'd just been to. Her puzzled voice came back over the phone, "So what was funny about it?" I realized I didn't quite know how to describe how it was funny, but it was. I realize this is the essence of comedy as nothing kills a joke like explaining it. But I found it cathartic to laugh about a dalliance with death or about how while we love our pets, we do hope we outlive them. I have been ghosted by death these past few years. Now, it's not ghosting in the sense that I am let down by death not showing up, but death has ghosted me none the same. I keep being told death is coming for someone I love, that soon I will meet death in this form, but then the deadline is extended once more. And I celebrate that extension, but it is a readjustment, a painful stretch each time to refram

15 things I often carry

These are in no particular order. My inhaler Small umbrella Pads and/or tampons Ibuprofen Book Roll-on perfume Sweater Sunscreen Water Mask Wallet Keys Phone Headphones Charger (Prompt inspired by Saskia Kiell) "dou_still_life_with_book_purse" posted by Art Gallery ErgsArt - by ErgSap

Thoughts on 90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days season 6, episode 4

Time to meet new people!  Slow and fast and nice kiss is a lot, Nicola Ugh, this is too much info, Jasmine and Gino I think Jasmine is straight up lying about the old travel pack breaking Hi, Christian! Aw puppy dressed up as a cow Annulled, eh? Better give Meisha tips, Christian I didn't know that about sunflower lanyards, Cleo Why don't we date this friend? I think that batter is too thiccc, Razvan Razvan and Amanda are so awkward Did Riley say it took him 37 hours??? Okay I don't get Riley and Violet So you want to fight with Jasmine now, Gino? Jasmine is iconic Oh no I really want David and Sheila to work out Christian's man bun friend is hot (Ben I think is his name?) OMG let Christian figure out sex with Cleo it's literally none of his friends' business Oop Violet didn't clear her schedule Wow that is a lot of birds, Razvan They're birds, Amanda, not bats Wait how long has Razvan been on the phone...it's gotten dark Meisha's shoes sure do l

15 aspects of my dream bookshop

Running a bookshop is just a fantasy of mine because in reality I know it's very stressful and hard to make money, but that doesn't stop me from fantasizing.  Staff recs both on the shelf and in a special display area Local author area Zine area Coffee and snacks Some days with late hours Reading allowed at the register Fun giftwrap options Art by local artists for sale Drag story hour Good benefits for employees, even the part-time ones Beautiful journals Delightful stationery Lots of genre fiction Reading challenges Creative window and other displays (Prompt inspired by Saskia Kiell) "A very good little bookshop" by Maggie Jones  

Thoughts on RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars season 8, episode 8

Time for a sewing challenge.  Lol at drumming on Jimbo's chest This is a fun referential challenge Shea's trunk is going to be fabulous, but living up to Shea is intimidating (or so I would think) Wow there are so few of them Also, how will the fame games do this week? Ew the sponges were wet? Oop Kylie's trunk is all see-through? Uh oh feels like Jimbo is going to be in trouble Why isn't Ru doing the walk through? I love watching them all laugh together I do not know who Brandon Boyd is Ru's look rocks So Kandy looks lovely, but I want more for this challenge So I love most of Jimbo's look, but I would've liked it better if I could've seen her face So LaLa looks beautiful, but, again I want more Alexis looks great Jessica's look isn't my favorite, but the twirl is fun Alexis did do very well I think Alexis is going to send Kandy home I don't get Alexis's reference to a virgin at a prison rodeo Omg Jimbo still wearing the facekini is hila

15 places I find inspiration for writing

I'm sure there have been others! My real life struggles Folklore Prompts from friends Prompts found online Prompts in books Books I read TV shows and movies I watch Photos I've taken Dreams I've had Quotes people have said Jokes friends and I have made Art I've seen Real life events A desire to share my inner thoughts Random "what if" scenarios (Prompt provided by Saskia Kiell) "Lightbulb" by Ryan Tracey

Past hobbies

We've all had hobbies that have fallen by the wayside, right? But I still think they show a glimpse into who we are or, at the very least, who we were. When I was a child, a big hobby of mine was collecting rocks. I liked the texture of some, the fossils in others, and the layers of color in still others. I wanted to hold onto them, keep them with me (even if it was just in a drawer of a cardboard cabinet of drawers). I think the fossils is how I initially got into them. I'm pretty sure in school we went to a rocky beach or a quarry and looked for fossils. But I also think that I like tangible pieces of memory. I don't remember the stories behind those rocks now and, in fact, I got rid of them all (except for one geode that I was gifted), but I'm sure I did at one point in time. I like having a tie to a memory or a piece of time in my life (perhaps that's why I'm even doing this prompt) and I think the rocks were a part of this. Each rock reminded me, at the ver

15 highlights of the week

These are in no particular order. I put art up I'm getting a piece (an edited version of "Siren's Song" ) published I got to see some of the most important kiddos in my life I ordered cute succulent pots I tried on bridesmaid dresses (though officially I am a part of the Fellowship of the Rings) I played D&D I finished a delightful audiobook I read I painted rocks My spider plant flowered I planted propagations I went to the Field Museum I got some lovely mail I added decorations at my cubicle I got to celebrate friends' love (Prompt provided by Saskia Kiell)

Thoughts on 90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days season 6, episode 3

Time to meet new people! Aw Amanda...I just feel sorry for you New couple! Hi, Meisha! Hi, Nicola! "You will be my Jesus boy" Tyray, you're cute but you are deep in denial Yeah I'm not sure Jasmine will like Michigan Gino...she's hitting on you Jasmine, we're here Riley...you don't seem like my favorite guy, but Violet talking to your dad like that is bad Wait does Nicola not have a job? Ah of course Nicola's mom won't approve Amanda, I don't think you should've come Gino, why are you so pissy? Okay, correct me if I'm wrong, but wouldn't getting an annulment make Meisha's kids bastards? Amanda...it's a gesture Amanda...I don't think you're really into this guy (which is okay!) Gino, Jasmine isn't always right but like you're being a dick Watching Jasmine cry is really upsetting Next time we meet another new couple Next time David reaches the Philippines Next time Razvan tests Amanda Next time Riley and Violet

15 books on my to read list

I recommend indie bookstores and bookshop.org .  Men Explain Things to Me  by Rebecca Solnit Lore Olympus, Volume 4  by Rachel Smythe  The World of Lore: Wicked Mortals by Aaron Mahnke The World of Lore: Monstrous Creatures by Aaron Mahnke The Hidden Witch  by Molly Knox Ostertag The Midwinter Witch  by Molly Knox Ostertag Thirsty Mermaids  by Kat Leyh  Lumberjanes, Volumes 8-19  by Kat Leyh Mooncakes  by Suzanne Walker The Adventure Zone, Volume 5  by Clint McElroy, Griffin McElroy, Travis McElroy, and Justin McElroy Leonard  by William Shatner How to Tail a Cat by Rebecca M. Hale The Winters  by Lisa Gabrielle Neverwhere: Author's Preferred Text  by Neil Gaiman The Butchering Art  by Lindsey Fizharris (Prompt by me) "A pile of books" by freestocks.org

Snippets, five

Here are some short pieces based on things that have happened in my life recently.  Baked Goods I'm listening to The Dos and Donuts of Love  by Adiba Jaigirdar and it is making me hungry. As the title suggests, it features donuts as well as other sweet treats. It inspired me to buy mini cupcakes today. Books often inspire us, but I've found that romance novels make me yearn. The Dos and Donuts of Love makes me yearn for pastries, but others make me yearn more for love. One book, Red, White, and Royal Blue  by Casey McQuiston in particular tugged at my heart. Now I'm not saying that I see myself as a first child of the United States or a member of the British royal family (nor do I know the situation of being in the closet), but the love in it was so passionate that I felt myself once again yearning. My friends have told me that real love isn't like romance novel love and I can accept that, but it doesn't stop me from wanting that love or, perhaps, any romantic love.

15 books on my to listen list

I recommend Libro.fm , Libby , Hoopla , and LibriVox . Parable of the Sower  by Octavia E. Butler The Song of Achilles  by Madeline Miller The Dawn of Everything  by David Graeber and David Wengrow Cleopatra  by Stacy Schiff Ariadne  by Jennifer Saint The Daughter of Doctor Moreau  by Silvia Moreno-Garcia One Day She'll Darken  by Fauna Hodel Scout's Honor  by Lily Anderson The Lost Dreamer  by Lizz Huerta Valiant Ladies  by Melissa Grey The Girl Who Drank the Moon  by Kelly Barnhill Reader, I Murdered Him  by Betsy Cornwell Legends & Lattes  by Travis Baldree The Heart of Everything That Is  by Bob Drury and Tom Clavin The Shoemaker's Magician  by Cynthia Pelayo (Prompt by me) "Audiobook_logo_small" by Nicola Einarson . Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0) .

Thoughts on RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars season 8, episode 7

Time for an improv challenge.  LaLa loves making an entrance I kinda love this challenge Yeah Alexis, if the roles are similar then you would take it Wait I'm only now noticing the back of Alexis's hair...what? Wait is Kahanna leaving too? That is kinda rude to Jaymes to be honest... Okay so Ru rallied the troops Jimbo is giving some good advice I love that Lil' Poundcake is back What is with these plastic fish? So this is a very accurate parody, but so far it isn't a very funny parody Okay the pit crew should've been the newscasters I love Ru's look Whoa Javicia Leslie is gorgeous Haha I enjoy Jessica's look So Kahanna looks great, but I'm not sure it fits the assignment LaLa's look is so fun Kandy looks amazing but it isn't themed enough for me I don't get Alexis's look but she sure is pretty Jimbo's look is funny to me To be honest, no one stood out to me, but I thought LaLa should've won last week so this works for me I would

15 quotes/sayings to put on rocks

I'm taking suggestions for my quaranhobby. Set yourself free Don't give up It's okay not to be okay Do good Keep holding on A lot can still happen You're more than your worst You are your best thing I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship You don’t have to be perfect--you can be good The sun will rise Know your own happiness Brave is what you’re doing Tomorrow is another day I am fearless, and therefore powerful (Prompt by me)

Snippets, four

Here are some short pieces based on things that have happened in my life recently. Aloe What, what, what have I done to my aloe? I got it so vibrant and virile and now it is wilting (if you can imagine an aloe wilting) and turning brown. Perhaps I have given it too much water? Perhaps too much sun? I am striving to get more into plants but I am failing it feels. I shall keep it in the sun, but water it less and hope for the best. Please don't judge my love of plants but my failure at keeping them alive. Alpacas Here I was again, with alpacas. Now this has only happened twice that I remember, but alpacas hold a dear place in my heart so each visit seems filled with significance. The first time I got to touch an alpaca, something stirred in my heart that had been still for so long and, for that, I'll be forever grateful to these fluffy, adorable creatures. This visit didn't give me the same revelation as the previous one, but the alpacas' large eyes still drew me in, maki

15 unique baby shower gifts

Now these are just ideas I thought of...maybe they aren't that unique! Some of these require the couple to have not thought of them already. A book explaining the baby's immediate family Decorated onesie that means something to the family Stuffed animal(s) that looks like the family's beloved pet(s) Mobile of beloved but more physically distant family Digital frame for the grandparents Meal train for the first week(ish) of the baby's life Offering to run errands for a while for the new parents If you have the skill set, a baby and/or family photoshoot Membership to a local zoo/aquarium/children's museum List of vetted babysitters Instacart gift certificate Offering to do chores for the new parents for a while Helping compose, type up, or at least distribute thank yous for the baby shower Kiwico subscription  If there is a nursing parent, a Boobie Box subscription (Prompt by Emily Kleeman) "5x7 Edited - 47731 Baby Shower -2721" by West Palm Beach VAMC

Thoughts on 90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days season 6, episode 2

Not sure what's on this episode! Wow they really want to remind us that Gino is Italian Oh Gino, that was not convincing We're having a food episode Oop seems like Violet isn't great I swear, 90 day has gotten more explicit (Jasmine is talking about anal) Oop Gino's cousin is getting in the mix Poor Tyray Ah so Razvan wants to be on TV Razvan...Amanda is not coming permanently Ah so Razvan has been married before Gah Amanda is rushing things with her kids Aw David's friend Carlos seems to be a very good friend Why did David take his mask off? Okay, Tyray...you didn't tell them for four years Oh Tyray... I don't think Amanda does like the teddy bear Yep it didn't look like Amanda was into that tongue in her mouth (and I'm right) Okay the idea of hiring a man to stalk a woman makes me uncomfy, Riley Oh dear a young child has a shirt that says "Never been kissed" Oh poor Sheila Okay so far I'm on board with Sheila and David Amanda...you ne

15 things I saw at SafeHouse Farm Alpacas & Ye Olde Alpaca Shoppe

Twas lovely! An alpaca named Stromboli that gave me a kiss A pig named Sprinkles An escaped rabbit in the horse pen A horse with a mixed brown and blue eye (that according to indigenous legend means he can see heaven and Earth) A goat that loved climbing in a golf cart Two BIG dogs Three miniature cows (only two of whom liked being pet) A miniature horse A donkey A goat we thought was pregnant but turned out to be named Pete Two very soft ducklings Two gorgeous turkeys A pig whose belly dragged on the ground Adorable and super fluffy toy alpacas A horse named Gypsy who used to be at a children's camp (Prompt by me)

Thoughts on RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars season 8, episode 6

Time for the Rusical! Okay, let's be honest, no one went home because they had a certain number of parts for the Rusical and needed to fill them all Yeah I really want Jimbo to win a lip sync Okay I admittedly don't know much about Joan Crawford Classic role assigning drama Alexis does seem to be doing well These Grace Jones photos look incredible (unsurprisingly) Ru looks like a magical mermaid come to land This was a pretty good Rusical though not sure how funny Joan Crawford as a mother is Kahanna looks gorgeous I'm not a huge fan of Jaymes's look Whoa Kandy's look is cool Jessica's look isn't my favorite LaLa's look is great Alexis's look is very cool Jimbo's look is good, but not great I kinda thought LaLa should win but Kandy is good too Yeah I thought Kandy won that lip sync Oop bye Jaymes Next week is another acting challenge Can't wait! (Prompt by me) RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars , MTV Promotional image source

15 unique wedding gifts

Now these are just ideas I thought of...maybe they aren't that unique! Some of these require the couple to have not thought of them already. Paying for a live painting at the wedding A scavenger hunt to do on their honeymoon If you have the skill set, doing an engagement photoshoot for the couple Sponsoring a recreation of the couple's first date Taking an engagement or wedding photo and turning it into a puzzle Paying for massages for the couple the day before the wedding A perfume or cologne inspired by your loved one(s) getting married If there are DIY elements, helping with these Making a photo slideshow for various wedding festivities (e.g. rehearsal dinner) Housesitting/petsitting/babysitting so the couple can go on their honeymoon Buying a bottle of the wine the couple served at the wedding for them to have on their anniversary Paying for a dinner at the place that catered the wedding (possibly for an anniversary) Finding a bottle of the couple's favorite liquor that

15 minutes of new D&D brainstorming, part 25

I'm going to try and hide this from my players, but if you're a player and have opened this, please stop! I'm copying from my previous post to expand upon it. Now though, I'm going to focus on the third adventure. Expanded  world notes are here ,  more Thanatos notes are here , and  second adventure notes are here . Also, I bounced some ideas off of Chat GPT and probably went over time (oops). Third adventure Travel to Eros 2.5 days travel (cut a day if they get the horse and cart) Roll a D20 each day 1-4: Rain so bad that they lose a day 5-8:  Day 1: Encounter a mind swap device by accident As they walk through the forest, they find a mysterious glowing box, no traps around it. It could be a grave marker (turns out to be the grave marker of a trickster) but it swaps the minds of the two closest to it if activated (activated by touching it). From there, follow the mind swap (ctrl f  here ) Day 2:  Something in the Fields The party runs into halfling travelers from the f